The India Meteorological Department (IMD)'s Bhopal centre has forecast thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 40–50 kmph across several districts of Madhya Pradesh, even as maximum temperatures are projected to rise by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius over the next four days — signalling the possible onset of heatwave conditions in parts of the state.

Districts on Alert for Thunderstorms

According to the IMD forecast issued on 10 May, districts likely to witness thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds include Raisen, Narmadapuram, Betul, Harda, Burhanpur, Khandwa, Anuppur, Shahdol, Umaria, Dindori, Jabalpur, Narsinghpur, Chhindwara, Seoni, Mandla, Balaghat, Sagar, and Pandhurna. Most other districts are expected to remain dry.

Hailstorms were also reported from Betul and Rajgarh districts during the past 24 hours, adding to the weather disruption. Strong winds swept across many districts, with Sagar recording wind speeds of 74 kmph, Sehore at 57 kmph, and Jabalpur Airport at 56 kmph.

Temperature Extremes Across the State

The state recorded contrasting temperature readings. Ratlam emerged as the hottest place in Madhya Pradesh at 44 degrees Celsius, while Pachmarhi in Narmadapuram district logged the lowest maximum temperature at 35.6 degrees Celsius. The lowest minimum temperature was recorded at Karondi in Katni district at 18.4 degrees Celsius, while Agar Malwa registered the highest minimum at 27.1 degrees Celsius.

Temperatures remained below normal by 1.8 to 2.9 degrees Celsius in divisions including Gwalior, Rewa, Jabalpur, Shahdol, and Sagar. In contrast, Ujjain division recorded temperatures up to 1.8 degrees Celsius above normal. For Bhopal, the forecast for 11 May predicts partly cloudy skies with the maximum and minimum temperatures expected to hover around 42 degrees Celsius and 25 degrees Celsius respectively.

Rainfall Recorded in Multiple Divisions

Madhya Pradesh witnessed contrasting weather conditions in the past 24 hours, with rainfall recorded across parts of Shahdol, Bhopal, Narmadapuram, Gwalior, Jabalpur, and Sagar divisions. Notable rainfall figures include 14.4 mm in Pushparajgarh, 12.6 mm in Amarkantak, and 11.8 mm in Bijuri.

Advisories for Citizens and Farmers

Citizens have been advised to remain hydrated, avoid prolonged outdoor exposure during peak afternoon hours, and take precautions against thunderstorms and lightning strikes. Farmers have been specifically advised to postpone irrigation and chemical spraying activities, protect crops from strong winds, and ensure livestock are properly sheltered ahead of the anticipated weather changes. With temperatures set to climb further, health authorities and the weather office are urging residents across the state to remain vigilant over the coming days.